1. Plans for the day

Whether you are planning a guided or unguided experience you need to get the teacher / student ratio right for discipline, safety and a meaningful experience for the students. Every attempt is made to keep the ratio in guided groups at 25:1 which is recommended for an outdoor learning experience. The number of guides is often limited by the number of teachers present. Guides can not take a group without a teacher to supervise.

This 25:1 ratio should also be the case with unguided groups. Unguided groups need to go through the valley in small groups not as one large group. Large groups have problems with discipline, safety and learning. They also interfere with the experience of other visitors sharing the valley with your school.

Remember one teacher for every 12 students may participate free. This generous provision allows for additional support staff and parents to be part of the group.

It is best if schools do not bring more than 120 students at a time. If your school has more than 120, it is recommended that the school arrives at two separate times and combines the visit to Scenic World with an alternate activity nearby.

With guided tours there are set session times now to make more efficient use of the guides. The appropriate session needs to be selected on the booking form. The excursion operates best with an allocation of about 2 hours, depending on the program.

Most schools choose to do the walk through the rainforest valley, accessed either by the Scenic Cableway or the Scenic Railway. The Scenic Skyway is a separate ride which travels across the top of the valley but does not directly access the rainforest walk. The skyway is not included in a valley return ticket and carries an additional charge. Please take care when making your selection on the booking forms.

Teachers in guided groups should be actively involved in the learning at all times, working with Scenic World staff. Scenic World staff will outline safety and courtesy expectations of the group and it is expected that teachers will enforce these with students. Discipline matters are the responsibility of teachers at all times and effective discipline makes a good learning experience for all students.

Students should be prepared for the day.

It is important that you ensure students come appropriately dressed for the day’s activities. Remember the weather in the mountains can often be very different from your local community. The weather details can be found on the Scenic World website to highlight this to students as part of their preparation. The weather can also change dramatically, so have them prepared for all scenarios.

3. Student anxiety

Teachers need to be aware that some students may be anxious about riding on the Scenic Railway or Scenic Cableway. This needs to be discussed with students before the event and any concerns dealt with appropriately.  Scenic World staff are not in a position to provide supervision for students who decide at the last minute that they do not want to go on the rides. Adequate teacher staffing arrangements need to be made to supervise all students. This is particularly important for ‘Ride Only’ bookings. If this situation arises, please see Scenic World staff on the day and they will assist you in making alternative arrangements to keep the group together.

4. Teacher preparation

It is recommended that all supervising teachers carry a first-aid kit with them, in the event that an accident does occur with their group whilst down in the valley.

5. Arrival at Scenic World

If you are running late please contact Scenic World on 4780 0250. This gives the staff an opportunity to reschedule other schools already there.

On arrival the first thing the teacher-in-charge or coach driver needs to do is to take the paperwork to the ticket counter and let them know you have arrived. Other supervising teachers can get the students off the buses and assemble near the statues. Teachers of guided groups will need to confirm the order of events and times with Scenic World staff on arrival.

Depending on your schedule and booking time, it may be best to arrive in time to give the students a morning tea and comfort stop before commencing the activity. There are no toilets in the valley. There are food outlets and places for the students to have lunch at Scenic World if required.

Students are not encouraged to consume food or drinks along the walkway, to reduce litter. However, if schools want to have a lunch break in the valley, arrangements can be made to use the Rainforest Room down in the valley. This requires extra time allocated to the activity and prior arrangements made with Scenic World staff when booking.